Hand-retaining device, in particular glove, for fastening on a pole grip

ABSTRACT

A hand-retaining device, such as a hand strap that can be fastened to the hand or a glove, includes a movable loop between the thumb and the index finger portions, which is used for fixing the hand-retaining device to a hook-type mechanism of a pole grip. Such a hand-retaining device is suitable for use with a pole grip of walking canes, ski poles or the like, which are equipped with a grip member and a hook-type mechanism for attaching a hand-retaining device especially in the form of a hand strap or a glove. A locking mechanism is disposed in the area of the hook-type mechanism such that a loop-shaped, annular, or eye-shaped device that is provided on the hand-retaining device and is inserted into the hook-type mechanism from above is fixed in a self-locking manner in the hook-type mechanism.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a hand-retaining device, such as forexample a glove or a hand strap which can be fastened on the hand, whichhand-retaining device has, between the thumb and forefinger, a couplingelement for coupling to a pole grip, in particular for walking sticks,trekking poles, downhill ski poles, cross-country ski poles and Nordicwalking poles. Such a hand-retaining device is preferably suitable forfastening in a releasable and self-latching manner on a pole grip with agrip body with a hook-like device.

PRIOR ART

A pole grip as is known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,150, hasa hook provided on it, and a rigid bow-like device formed from a curvedmetal element is provided on the associated glove, in the region betweenthe thumb and forefinger. The bow has its long leg introduced into anarrow slot of the hook, and the hook-like device fixes the bow, andthus the glove, on the pole grip.

Provision is made here for the slot to be widened slightly at the bottomof the hook, which means that, when the bow is moved into the hook, itinitially forces the two legs of the hook apart from one another to aslight extent, and that it is only when the bow has been pushed into thewidened portion that the legs spring back into the original position.

Elastic deformation of the hook-like device is thus used in order to fixthe bow easily in the hook and to avoid the situation where the bow caneasily slide out of the hook.

One of the problems with such devices is the fact that repeateddeformation of such components, which are usually formed from plastic ormetal, is undesirable on account of signs of fatigue.

There is also the particular problem of the elastic deformation behaviorof materials being highly dependent on temperature. It is thus also thecase that the fixing action which is achieved by the deformation isneither adjustable nor constant for different temperatures.

This is absolutely unacceptable in the sporting arena in particular,since very large differences in temperature are unavoidable, on the onehand, on account of different weather conditions and, on the other hand,as a result of heating or warming up during use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This is where the invention comes in. The object of the invention isthus to provide a hand-retaining device which has improvements over theprior art and is intended for fastening in a releasable and, inparticular preferably, self-latching manner on a pole grip with ahook-like device. The concern here in particular is to improve such ahand-retaining device for use in conjunction with a pole grip forwalking sticks, trekking poles, downhill ski poles, cross-country skipoles and Nordic walking poles, these having a grip body with ahook-like device for fastening a hand-retaining device in particular inthe form of a hand strap or of a glove. This object is achieved in thatthe hand-retaining device, for example a glove or a hand strap which canbe fastened on the hand, has as a coupling element, between the thumband forefinger, a movable, that is to say inherently flexible, loopwhich is suitable for fastening the hand-retaining device on a hook-likedevice of a pole grip. Such a hand-retaining device proves to besuccessful, in particular, when used in conjunction with pole grips inwhich displaceable or rotatable latching-in means are arranged in theregion of the hook-like device such that a loop-like, ring-like oreyelet-like device, which is inserted or pushed into the hook-likedevice preferably essentially from above and is provided on thehand-retaining device, is fixed in the hook-like device withself-latching action.

Rather than, as has usually been deemed absolutely necessary in theprior art, providing a stiff element as the coupling element, in orderthat this element can be pushed at all over the hook-like device withoutthe aid, for example, of the other hand, the core of the invention thusconsists in providing an inherently flexible, that is to say movable,element in the form of a simple loop. This means that the couplingelement is considerably less troublesome both during use, when thehand-retaining device is fastened on the pole grip, and when thehand-retaining device is not fastened on the pole grip. Surprisingly,such a movable loop is nevertheless readily capable of absorbing thehigh forces which occur and, in addition, it allows optimum guidanceeven when the pole grip is not actively being gripped. The loop here ispreferably fastened on the hand-retaining device such that, as a resultof its remaining inherent rigidity, it projects between the thumb andforefinger such that it can easily be pushed over the hook-like device.

Hand-retaining devices which are particularly well suited for being usedtogether with an abovementioned pole grip are therefore those which havea movable loop or eyelet in the V region between the thumb andforefinger. Such a hand-retaining device interacts with a pole grip asdescribed above in the manner of a key and lock or plug and socket. Thesmall loop is particularly comfortable and is not obtrusive, in whichcase such a glove or such a hand-retaining device is also suitable forbiathlon or the like.

The loop, in particular, is a loop which is made of a flexible materialwith a sufficient level of inherent rigidity to stabilize it in aposition in the space between the thumb and forefinger, which allows itto be introduced straightforwardly over the hook or retaining peg andwhich, conversely, cannot be felt, or can only barely be felt, duringuse. Possible examples of loops are those made of a cable or wire, whichmay be surface-coated. Examples of other elements which are basicallyalso suitable to be used as material for such loops are textile fiberswhich are encased in a woven-fabric sheath, have limited expansioncapability and are stable in relation to tension, or retaining elementswhich are braided in a cord-like or cable-like manner, usingcorresponding materials such as for example Aramid, Kevlar, Dyneema,etc. If use is made of such materials for the loop, cords with athickness of 1-5 mm are most suitable, a thickness of 2-3 mm beingpreferred. In order to impart a sufficient level of inherent rigidity tothe loop, such cords may be provided with stiffening elements, forexample a “core” made of monofilament nylon or in-woven fibersconsisting of a relatively stiff material, for example nylon or thinmetal wires. It has been found that a cable with a thickness in therange of 0.5-2.5 mm, preferably in the range of 1-2 mm, is particularlysuitable.

The, for example, braided or twisted cable can be coated with anothermaterial, for example copper or plastic. As an alternative, it ispossible to produce the loop from a plastic material, also, for example,in band form, preferably from a fiber-reinforced plastic, for examplepolyamide, PE, PP or the like being suitable, in which case combinedmaterials with a layered construction are also possible, and inparticular preferably reinforcements with fibers for example made ofAramid may be provided.

The loop preferably projects by between 5-20 mm, in particular bybetween 5-10 mm, beyond the V region between the forefinger and thumb.In this case, the direction of the loop, to a certain extent, runsessentially along the angle bisector between the thumb and forefinger.

It is possible for the loop to be adjustable, this adjustability beingprovided, on the one hand, in order to adjust the length specifically tothe user, but also, when the loop is not required, in order to retractthe same so that it cannot be felt during use. It is also possible forthe loop to be stowed, when not in use, in a small pocket, which isprovided for this purpose in the hand-retaining device, likewise in theV region between the forefinger and thumb. This latter possibility isparticularly straightforward in design terms and, as far as the inherentrigidity of the loop is concerned, on the one hand, the loop can beaccommodated in such a pocket and, on the other hand, if notspecifically manipulated, it remains concealed, essentially without anyspecial measures having to be taken in the pocket, during use of thehand-retaining device.

In order to ensure that the forces which act on the loop are coupled aswell as possible to the hand-retaining device, the wire/the cable of theloop can be guided in the direction of the wrist, at least in part, inor on the hand-retaining device. It is also possible to provide acombination with an adjustable device like that described in DE 19751978C2, the disclosure of which is expressly included in this respect.Instead of the rigid connecting element cited in this document, aflexible loop is simply provided. The loop is considerably lesstroublesome in particular when the glove is used without the pole.

The hand-retaining device according to a first embodiment is thuspreferably characterized in that the loop comprises an inherentlymovable cable or bow or a flexible plastic cord with inherent rigidity.It is preferably here for the loop to be fastened in an essentiallynon-movable manner on the hand-retaining device, but the loop is itselfof movable design.

As has already been mentioned, the hand-retaining device may be a glove,or else a hand strap which has three openings and which can be fastenedon the hand in particular preferably with the aid of a touch-and-closefastener, a first opening being provided for the thumb, a second openingbeing provided for the other fingers or the back of the hand, and athird opening of the hand strap being provided for the wrist.

In order to allow the loop to be introduced as easily as possible ontothe hook-like device, and in order to ensure ideal force transmission,it proves to be advantageous if the projecting part of the loop on thehand-retaining device is arranged essentially in the plane which, whenthe hand is open and stretched out, is defined by the thumb andforefinger.

As has already been mentioned, the loop is preferably a loop made of aplastic material, preferably a plastic fiber which is oriented and/orhas limited expansion capability, in particular preferably based onpolyethylene, in particular preferably oriented polyethylene, e.g.Dyneema®, polyamide, polypropylene, Aramid or a combination of thesematerials. Preferred combinations are ones in which a core made of, forexample, oriented polyethylene fibers is enclosed by braided syntheticfibers in the manner of a braided sleeve.

A further preferred embodiment of the hand-retaining device according tothe invention is characterized in that the length of the loop isadjustable, it being possible, in particular preferably, for the loop tobe recessed essentially fully into or on the glove when not in use. Asan alternative, it is possible for the hand-retaining device to containa niche or pocket into which the loop can be inserted when not in use.

In order to allow the loop to be fastened as well as possible on thehand-retaining device, in particular on the glove, it proves to beadvantageous if, at least over a length of 2-15 cm, in particularpreferably of at least 5 cm, the non-exposed region of the material ofthe loop, at both ends, is adhesively bonded, sewn or woven in or on thehand-retaining device, and/or in the form of an intermediate layer ofthe hand-retaining device, or is fastened in some other way between theouter layers of the hand-retaining device.

The material of the loop is also fastened on the hand-retaining device,for example, via a band strip, in particular made of woven plastic-basedtextile material with a width of between 3-30 mm, this band strip beingsewn in particular preferably on the outside of the hand-retainingdevice, or being adhesively bonded or sewn to the glove, and the bandstrip, further preferably, being arranged in the V between the thumb andforefinger so as to encircle the back of the hand and the palm of thehand.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that a hand strap maybe integrated, to a certain extent, in a glove, in which case the handstrap itself with the movable loop can be used without the glove and theglove can be used with the hand strap embedded in it. The hand-retainingdevice may thus be configured as a glove in which is arranged, in one ormore corresponding recesses, a hand strap which preferably has threeopenings and which can be fastened on the hand, or on/in the glove, inparticular preferably with the aid of a touch-and-close fastener, afirst opening being provided for the thumb, a second opening beingprovided for the other fingers or the back of the hand, and a thirdopening of the hand strap being provided for the wrist. The hand strap,in particular preferably, is arranged in the glove such that it can beadjusted from the outside via a touch-and-close fastener arranged in theregion of the back of the hand. The hand strap can advantageously beremoved altogether from the glove and can be used without the glove.

A further preferred embodiment of the hand-retaining device isdistinguished in that, in the rest position, the loop is of essentiallysemi-circular or semi-oval form, in particular preferably with adiameter in the range of 3-10 mm.

Further preferred embodiments of the hand-retaining device according tothe invention are described in the dependent claims.

As has already been mentioned, such a hand-retaining device can be used,in particular preferably, in conjunction with a pole grip which has ahook-like device into which the loop can be pushed with self-latchingaction. If use is made here, for latching-in purposes, of a rotatable ordisplaceable element, there is essentially no material deformation onthe hook in the case of a self-latching mechanism for fastening ahand-retaining device on the pole grip; so preferably mechanisms areused in which, when a loop-like, ring-like or eyelet-like device ispushed into a latched-in position, a corresponding latching-in means iseither displaced or rotated. It is thus possible correspondingly toprovide a specific elastic mounting arrangement for these latching-inmeans, the arrangement, in particular, being less susceptible to wear,being adjustable, if appropriate, and having a low level of temperaturedependence in respect of the forces. The hook-like device is arranged inthe top region of the pole grip, e.g. on the hand side, it being thecase that the hook-like device comprises a retaining pin or retainingpeg which is arranged preferably essentially parallel to the pole axis(although a specific amount of inclination may also be present) and isoffset in the direction of the hand side from the grip body to form anintroduction slot, the depth of the introduction slot being greater thanthe width and the thickness of the retaining peg or retaining pin.Offset does not necessarily mean that the retaining peg or retaining pinhas to project beyond the contour of the grip body; it is also possiblefor the retaining peg or retaining pin to be positioned in a recesswhich is open toward the top and rear and is provided specifically forthis purpose in the grip body. It has typically been found that thehook-like device advantageously has a width in the range of 3-15 mm,preferably in the range of 4-10 mm, the hook-like device having anessentially oval or rectangular (possibly with rounded edges) crosssection, in particular preferably at least in certain sectionsperpendicular to the pole axis, in which case preferably the short mainaxis is directed toward the grip body. The introduction slot typicallyhas a depth in the range of 5-30 mm, preferably in the range of 10-15mm. It is possible here, for example, to provide a slight convexity inthe hook-like device directly opposite the latching-in means.

The hook-like device may be integrally formed on the grip body. Inparticular in combination with the mechanism which is describedhereinbelow, and in the case of which a recess is provided in the polegrip for accommodating the mechanism, it preferably proves to beexpedient to design the hook-like device as a separate component. Thisis then fastened on the grip body via fastening means, preferably oncethe mechanism has been inserted into the recess of the grip body. Thiscan be realized, for example, by the hook-like device having, beneaththe hook, a fastening plate by means of which the hook-like device canbe fastened on the grip body (for example by means of a screw or rivetor via a clip mechanism) from the hand side.

As has already been explained, the grip body is provided, from the handside, for example with a recess which accommodates a displaceablymounted element, in particular preferably in the form of an arrestingblock, on or in which latching-in means are arranged, it being possiblefor these latching-in means to be formed either integrally with thearresting block or as a separate component, and in the latter case thisseparate component, for example in the form of a restraining nose, canbe connected to the arresting block either in a fixed manner or via amovable mechanism.

The arresting block is advantageously guided such that it can bedisplaced parallel to the direction of the recess, but it is alsopossible to mount it for rotation. The arresting block is braced againstthe hook-like device, which is arranged in front of the recess, via aspring (this also covering, in general, resiliently elastic elements),in particular preferably via a helical spring. This results in theabove-mentioned self-latching mechanism.

In order that the hand-retaining device can also be separated from thepole grip again, means should be provided in order to push thelatching-in means back and release the hand-retaining device from thehook. This is possible, for example, by it being possible for thearresting block to be displaced from the outside, counter to the springforce, via at least one actuating button, the self-latching mechanismbeing released in the process, in which case, for this purpose, slotsare provided laterally, in particular preferably in the grip body inrelation to the recess and, via these slots, actuating buttons arrangedon both sides are operatively connected to the arresting block, forexample by a fixed connection being created between these two elementsvia a crosspiece or pin.

It is basically possible for the arresting block to be fitted in arotatable or displaceable manner on the grip body by a wide variety ofdifferent methods. It is thus possible, for example, to design theuppermost region in its entirety, that is to say, as it were, the headregion of the pole grip, as the arresting block, in which case, to acertain extent behind the same and fixedly connected to the bottom partof the pole grip, or formed integrally therewith, the hook-like deviceis provided so as to allow a loop of a hand-retaining device to be fixedbetween the arresting block and the hook-like device.

It is possible to provide, in or on the arresting block, at least oneactivating button by way of which the retaining means arranged in thearresting block, preferably in the form of a pin, can be displacedcounter to the spring force, the self-latching mechanism being releasedin the process. It is also possible for the grip body to be providedfrom the hand side, and from above, with a recess which accommodates adisplaceably and/or rotatably mounted element in the form of anarresting block in which latching-in means are arranged, the arrestingblock being braced in the downward direction for emergency activationvia an axial helical spring which is arranged in a cavity of the polegrip and the stressing of which can be adjusted preferably via anadjusting nut.

The grip body may be provided, from the top side, with a recess whichaccommodates a displaceably and/or rotatably mounted element, inparticular preferably in the form of an arresting block, on whichlatching-in means are arranged. If the recess is provided from above, itis then possible, without obstructing assembly or installation, to formthe hook-like device, for example, integrally with the grip body, forexample in the form of a simple slot or cutout arranged in the grip bodyon the hand side. The arresting block here can be mounted in a rotatablemanner about a horizontal axial element, which is arranged between thehook-like device and grip body preferably essentially parallel to theplane of the slot, and it can be braced against the hook-like device,arranged on the hand side, via a spring, in particular preferably via ahelical spring or a leaf spring. The arresting block can then be tiltedfrom the outside, counter to the spring force, via at least oneactuating button, the self-latching mechanism being released in theprocess, in which case, for example, the actuating button is providedessentially on the top side of the pole grip, that is to say thearresting block is exposed, to a certain extent, from above and a partor portion, or a sub-surface, of the arresting block forms the actuatingbutton.

The latching-in means may be designed in the form of a restraining nosewhich has a beveled flank toward the top, in particular preferably asseen in the direction of introduction, and which, in the position inwhich it is braced against the hook-like device, defines, in thedownward direction, a region for the loop-like, ring-like or eyelet-likedevice which is restricted in respect of a preferably adjustable force.It is possible here for this retaining nose to be arranged either on thearresting block or, as it were opposite, on the hook-like device.

The latching-in means may preferably be designed in the manner of asafety mechanism such that, in the event of loading in the direction ofthe opening of the hook-like device which goes beyond a normal usageforce, emergency release of the loop-like, ring-like or eyelet-likedevice takes place, this being similar to a mechanism which is alsoknown in respect of ski bindings. This can be realized either viaelastic deformation of this nose, or in the region of this nose, orelse, and this is the preferred variant because it can be much bettercontrolled and possibly even adjusted, by the restraining nose beingmounted in a rotatable manner about a preferably horizontal axialelement arranged essentially perpendicularly to the opening direction ofthe recess. Rotation in the upward direction, to release the region inthe upward direction, is only possible here counter to a defined and, ashas already been mentioned, preferably adjustable force. The restrainingnose may be braced by way of a leg spring, by way of an elastomer springor by way of a helical spring, or by way of a combination of suchresilient elements, into the rotary position in which it closes off theregion, this bracing in particular preferably being adjustable, in whichcase safety activation takes place only under a force of more than80-250 N. A further analogous embodiment of the pole grip ischaracterized in that the restraining nose is mounted in a displaceablemanner, in which case displacement in the upward direction to releasethe region is possible counter to a defined and preferably adjustableforce, as specified above, and the force is preferably ensured via aspring or a resilient element.

Moreover, safety activation can also be realized via a yielding actionin the region of the hook-like device. For this purpose, the hook-likedevice may be configured such that it can be displaced or tilted aboutan axial element, counter to an elastic force, in the direction of thehand side to release the region. As an alternative, or in addition, itis possible to provide a resilient region on the hook-like device on theslot side. This resilient region can be realized, for example, via aleaf spring or an elastic portion (specifically a soft elastic polymerportion or the like).

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference toexemplary embodiments, in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows different views of a pole grip, a) illustrating a lateral,partially transparent, view, b) illustrating a view from behind (handside), c) illustrating an exploded view from the side, d) illustrating asection along line A-A in FIG. 1 c), e) illustrating an exploded view ina section along line A-A in FIG. 1 c), f) illustrating a perspectiveexploded view, and g) illustrating an alternative hook-like device withsafety-activation element on the hook;

FIG. 2 shows a hand-retaining device with a loop between the thumb andforefinger;

FIG. 3 a)-c) show different exemplary embodiments of hand-retainingdevices with loops between the thumb and forefinger;

FIG. 4 shows different views of a pole grip, a) illustrating a lateralview with arresting block inserted, b) illustrating a lateral viewwithout an arresting block, and c) illustrating an arresting block onits own;

FIG. 5 shows different variants of a pole grip analogous to FIG. 4, a)illustrating a safety-activation means without a separatesafety-activation element, b) illustrating a safety-activation meanswith a displaceably mounted safety-activation element, c) illustrating asafety-activation means with a rotatably mounted safety-activationelement, d) illustrating a safety-activation means with asafety-activation element which can be elastically deformed as a whole,e) illustrating a safety-activation means in which the safety-activationelement is arranged on the inside of the hook-like device, and f)illustrating a safety-activation means with a hook-like device which canbe tilted as a whole;

FIG. 6 shows the entire pole grip 1, a) illustrating a view from theside, b) illustrating a view from the rear, c) illustrating an axialsection along line B-B from b), and d) illustrating a view of the polegrip from above;

FIG. 7 a) shows a view from the side of the arresting block 6 togetherwith the elements fastening this arresting block 6 in the pole grip 1,b) shows a view from the rear, c) shows a section along line A-A in b),and d), finally, shows a view from above;

FIG. 8 shows a hand strap with three openings.

WAYS OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 a)-f) illustrate different views of a pole grip. The pole grip 1comprises a grip body 3, which is usually produced from a plasticmaterial by injection molding. As seen from beneath, the grip body 3 hasa recess or a cavity 5 into which the pole, which is formed, forexample, from an aluminum shaft or a carbon-fiber or glass-fiber shaft,can be pushed and fastened therein.

At its top end, the pole grip 1 has a recess 4 which is designed fromthe hand side 43, as it were, as a blind hole. An arresting block 6 isprovided in this recess 4, which typically has a height in the range of10-30 mm and a width in the range of 3-20 mm. This arresting block 6 isguided in a displaceable manner in the recess 4, and is braced in thedirection of the opening of the recess 4 via a spring 7. The spring 7 isa helical spring which is guided, at one end, in the recess, in a stopbore 8 which is configured as a cylindrical blind hole, and, at theother end, on a guide peg 19 on the arresting block 6.

The recess 4 additionally has two through-slots 17 which lead laterallyout of the grip body 3. The arresting block 6 for its part, in theseregions, has bores in which a respective actuating button 9 can befastened on each side. The actuating button 9 has in each case acrosspiece 20 directed toward the arresting block 6 and, when thearresting block 6 is pushed in, it is fastened in the arresting block 6from the outside through the abovementioned lateral slots 17, for whichpurpose a screw or fastening pin 21 can be used in each case. This meansthat the actuating button 9 can be displaced from the outside viamanipulations of the actuating buttons, this being such that, in thenormal position, the arresting block 6 is located to the maximumpossible extent in the direction of the hand side as a result of theforce of the spring 7, this maximum position preferably being determinedby the hand-side end of the slot 17. The arresting block 6 can be pushedinto the recess 4, counter to the force of the spring, from the outside,this releasing the arresting mechanism for the hand-retaining device.

A hook-like device ensures that the hand-retaining device is actuallysecured on such a pole grip. This hook-like device comprises a retainingpeg 14 which is arranged on the hand side. The retaining peg 14 isoffset slightly in the direction of the hand from the actual pole grip,a slot 67 which typically has a depth of at least 10 mm being formedtherebetween.

For easier assembly, the retaining peg 14 is connected to a fasteningplate 16 or formed integrally therewith. The fastening plate 16 islocated beneath the retaining peg 14 and can be inserted in a recessprovided for this purpose in the pole grip 3, and fastened therein. Thismodular construction is preferred since it is thus possible for theretaining peg 14, which is naturally arranged in front of the recess 4,to be placed in position once the elements which have to be arranged inthe recess 4 have been inserted into the recess 4.

The arresting block 6, for its part, likewise has a recess 24, which isbounded laterally and at the bottom but is open at the top. Thesafety-activation element 12 is mounted in a movable manner in therecess 24. For this purpose, the safety-activation element 12 is mountedin the arresting block 6 such that it can be rotated by way of an axialpin 22. This rotatable mounting, in turn, is counter to a spring force,a leg spring 10 being provided in this case. This leg spring, on the onehand, rests on the base of the recess 24 and, on the other hand, restson the rear side of the safety-activation element 12. The spring forcethus retains the safety-activation element 12 in its closed position,that is to say in that position in which the restraining nose 11 of thesafety-activation element 12, together with the retaining peg 14,defines a closed-off region 15, in which the loop of the hand-retainingdevice ends up located. It is also possible, instead of the leg spring10, to use a helical spring or an elastomer spring or the like, orcombinations of such resilient elements, which is then for example inoperative connection with the rear wall of the recess 24. Use of ahelical spring may be advantageous, in particular, at low temperaturesand, moreover, allows the restraining force of the nose 11 to beadjusted. The safety-activation element 12 may have in the downwarddirection, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 c) and f) in particular, a notch,in order that the cable can be arrested to better effect in the region15.

As has already been mentioned, the hand-retaining device has a loop 33,which is guided over the retaining peg 14. If the loop 33 is guided overthe retaining peg from above and pulled downward, then the entirearresting block 6 is displaced into the recess 4 because, in the case ofpressure being exerted from top to bottom, the oblique top flank of thesafety-activation element 12 pushes the arresting block 6 rearward,counter to the spring force, and the gap between the retaining peg andgrip body is released. Once the loop has reached the region 15, theentire arresting block springs back again toward the retaining peg 14,as a result of the spring force of the spring 7, and the region 15 isclosed. The hand-retaining device is thus automatically fastened/latchedin on the grip body without any further manipulations being necessary.

If the loop of the hand-retaining device is to be removed again from theslot between the retaining peg and grip body, then the entire arrestingblock 6 can be displaced upward, counter to the spring force, via theactuating buttons 9, in which case the nose 11 releases the region 15.

In addition to this means of automatically fastening the hand-retainingdevice on the grip body, a safety-activation mechanism is provided. Forthis purpose, the safety-activation element 12 can be opened upwardcounter to a spring force, this being done with the arresting blockpushed all the way up to the retaining peg. If the loop is subjected toa pronounced force in the upward direction (for example in the event ofa fall), then the safety-activation element 12 rotates about the axialelement 13 such that the region 15 is released and thus the loop, andcorrespondingly the hand-retaining device, is released from the gripbody.

As is illustrated in FIG. 1 g), the safety mechanism may also beprovided on the retaining peg. For this purpose, the retaining peg has arecess 41 in which the safety-activation element 12 is mounted such thatit can be rotated about an axial element 13. A spring 7 is againprovided, in this case a helical spring, which defines the necessaryactivating force. In this case, it is possible, for example, to adjustthe restoring force of the spring 7 via a screw which can be actuated onthe retaining peg from the outside, on the hand side. The screw can bescrewed in, for example, to shorten the spring, and the restoring forceof the spring is thus increased.

FIG. 2 shows a hand-retaining device which is configured according tothe invention. The hand-retaining device is configured as a glove 25 inFIG. 2, and this glove 25 basically has a fastening guide such as thatdescribed in DE 19751978 C2. In respect of the details of this fasteningguide, which comprises, inter alia, an encircling fastening device (orband strip) 31 as well as adjusting means 32 which may be designed, forexample, as a touch-and-close fastener, reference is made to DE 19751978C2.

Instead of the hook-like connecting element which is portrayed in DE19751978, however, a loop 33 is arranged in the V region between thethumb 26 and forefinger 27 in this case. That is, the loop 33 isdisposed on a surface of the hand retaining device, between a thumbreceiving portion and finger-receiving portion. The loop is producedfrom cable, for example stainless steel, encased synthetic fibers suchas Aramid, Dyneema® or the like with a thickness of 1.5 mm, the cablebeing a twisted cable which may be provided, if appropriate, with acoating made of plastic or metal or may have a tube of brass positionedaround it or has a sheath made of, for example, thermoplasticallyintegrally formed or braided polymer material.

The loop 33 should be fastened on the hand-retaining device such thatthe forces which occur during use of the pole are distributed to goodeffect over the hand. This is ensured in the case of a hand-retainingdevice according to FIG. 2. Alternative options are illustrated in FIG.3. In FIG. 3 a), a cable 35 is fixed, in the first instance, at one endat a fastening 36 in the palm of the hand. It is then guided through aguide sleeve 34 to the V between the forefinger and thumb 26. The actualloop 33 is exposed there, as at portion 65, and the cable 35 is guideddownward, once again, through the guide 34. Provided at the bottom endof the guide sleeve 34 are a deflecting means 37 and a fastening 38, atwhich the cable 35 can be adjusted in a variable manner (cf. arrow). Thelength of the loop 33 can thus be adjusted in adaptation to the user,and the forces which occur are distributed to good effect over theglove. It is further possible for the cable 35 to be fully retracted, inwhich case there is no loop projecting outward, as at portion 65. Thisis advantageous, in particular, when the glove is not to be used inconjunction with the pole grip. In contrast to other solutions, in whichconnecting elements have to be removed from the glove, this solution isadvantageous because the connecting element, in other words the loop, isconcealed in the hand-retaining device rather than having to be removedtherefrom.

Another option is illustrated in FIG. 3 b). In this case, the cable 35is configured as an encircling cable which is adjusted in length at itsbottom end, at a button 39. It is possible to provide a further button40, which is arranged further below and via which the cable 35 can beretracted if the loop is to be concealed.

Finally, FIG. 3 c) illustrates an option in which the cable is fixed atthe bottom via the means 36. The loop cannot be adjusted in length here.In order, nevertheless, for it to be possible for the loop to beconcealed when not in use, a small pocket is provided in the V regionbetween the thumb and forefinger. When not in use, the loop 33 can bepushed into this pocket 41, which has an opening at the bottom, and itis thus kept out of the way.

It is also possible for the hand-retaining device 25 to be in the formof a hand strap which is worn over a glove, or over the bare hands, andhas a loop 33. If a conventional hand strap is used, then the mechanismserves as a safety-activation means; if use is made of a hand strapwhich is fastened on the hand (usually by the hand strap being guidedboth over the wrist and between the thumb and forefinger and beingfastened, for example, with a touch-and-close fastener), then the use isequivalent to the glove solution like that indicated above. Thus, aswith the glove discussed earlier, the loop 33 is disposed on the surfaceof the hand strap between a thumb receiving portion and a fingerreceiving portion, as discussed in further detail below.

A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that a hand strap 68of the type illustrated in FIG. 8 may be integrated, to a certainextent, in a glove, in which case the hand strap itself with the movableloop can be used without the glove and the glove can be used with thehand strap embedded in it. The hand-retaining device may thus beconfigured as a glove in which is arranged, in one or more correspondingrecesses 66, a hand strap 68. The hand strap, as illustrated in FIG. 8,preferably has three openings 69 a, 69 b and 69 c and which can befastened on the hand, or on/in the glove, in particular preferably withthe aid of a touch-and-close fastener. A first opening 69 a beingprovided for the thumb, a second opening 69 b being provided for theother fingers or the back of the hand, and a third opening 69 c of thehand strap being provided for the wrist. The hand strap, in particularpreferably, is arranged in the glove such that it can be adjusted fromthe outside via a touch-and-close fastener arranged in the region of theback of the hand. The hand strap can advantageously be removedaltogether from the glove and can be used without the glove.

A further exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4, although thisfigure illustrates a cross-country ski pole grip or a Nordic walkingpole grip rather than a downhill ski pole grip. In this case, ratherthan being formed separately from the grip body 3, the hook-like device14 forms a constituent part of the grip body. The hook-like device isrealized by a slot which is provided in the grip body 3.Correspondingly, the recess 4, which is provided for accommodating thearresting block 6, is made from above. In this exemplary embodiment,then, it is additionally the case that the arresting block 6, ratherthan being displaceable, is mounted in a rotatable manner, about anaxial element 44. Correspondingly, the actuating button 9 is arranged atthe top, and tilting of the arresting block 6 results in the enclosedregion 15 being released. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG.4, for the purpose of bracing the arresting block 6, a leaf spring 7 isprovided in a corresponding recess 46 in the arresting block 6. Arestraining nose 11 is formed integrally on the arresting block 6, thisnose 11 having an undercut in the case of the exemplary embodimentaccording to FIG. 4. Correspondingly, this exemplary embodiment does nothave any safety-activation means; rather, when the loop is subjected topronounced pulling in the upward direction out of the slot, the looptakes a firm hold in the device.

It should be pointed out that it is also possible for the entire topregion of the pole grip 1 to be of a rotatable or displaceableconfiguration, as long as the possibility of automatic latching-in isprovided. There is therefore no need to provide a recess, as is the casein the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4 (but equally also in theexemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1); rather, it is also possiblefor the entire arresting block 6 to be designed as the uppermost region,or as the head, of the pole grip and for this to be mounted either in adisplaceable or rotatable manner.

FIG. 5 illustrates other exemplary embodiments based on the exemplaryembodiment according to FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 a) illustrates the option of providing the nose 11 with anupwardly directed flank. If, in the case of this exemplary embodiment,the loop is subjected to pronounced pulling in the upward direction outof the slot, then the arresting block 6 will rotate, and this ensuressafety activation.

A more specific safety-activation means is illustrated in FIG. 5 b). Inthis case, the safety-activation element 12 is designed as adisplaceable nose which is guided in a bore in the arresting block 6 andis braced against a helical spring 49. Here, in the case of the loopbeing subjected to pronounced pulling out of the slot, the entiresafety-activation element 12, on which the nose 11 is integrally formed,is displaced into the arresting block 6 and thus releases the region 15.

An alternative safety-activation means is illustrated in FIG. 5 c). Inthis case, the safety-activation element 12 is mounted such that it canbe rotated about an axial element 13 and is braced against a spring 49.Here, when a loop is subjected to pronounced pulling out of the slot,the entire safety-activation element 12, on which the nose 11 isintegrally formed, tilts into the arresting block 6 and releases theregion 15 in the process.

A further alternative is illustrated in FIG. 5 d). In this case, thesafety-activation element 12 is designed as a leaf-spring-like element,although it may also be an elastomeric element. This element can bemoved as a whole, and the region 15 is released by the nose 11, which isformed by this element, as a result of the entire element 12 beingdeformed when a loop is subjected to pronounced pulling out of the slot.

Another approach is used in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5e). In this case, the safety-activation means is provided on thehook-like device 14. For this purpose, the hook-like device 14 has aninternal clearance in which, once again, a leaf-spring-like element 12is arranged. In the case of a pronounced force being exerted, thiselement yields in relation to the hook-like device 14 and thus likewisereleases the region 15 in the manner of a safety-activation means.

A further approach is illustrated in FIG. 5 f). In this case, the entirehook-like device 14 is mounted such that it can be rotated about anaxial element 50. If a pronounced force emanates from the slot, then theentire hook-like device 14 rotates in the direction of the arrowillustrated and thus releases the region 15. The rotatable mounting ofthe hook-like device 14 is likewise ensured, for example, via a helicalspring, counter to an adjustable force.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a further exemplary embodiment according to theinvention. FIG. 6 illustrates the entire pole grip 1, FIG. 6 a)illustrating a view from the side, and FIG. 6 b) illustrating a viewfrom the rear, that is to say from the hand side (arrow 43 in FIG. 6a)). FIG. 6 c) illustrates an axial section along line B-B from FIG. 6b), and FIG. 6 d) shows a view of the pole grip from above.

The pole grip 1 for a downhill ski pole, in turn, has a grip body 3 anda cavity 5, which serves for accommodating the pole shaft (notillustrated).

In this case, the retaining peg 14 is formed integrally with the gripbody 3, as can be seen from FIG. 6 c). It is also possible here,however, for the retaining peg 14 to be in the form of a separateelement, in the manner of FIG. 1 f) and of the elements 14 and 16illustrated therein.

The grip body 3 has a recess 4 which is open at the top and in which anarresting block 6 is arranged. The arresting block 6 is illustrated indetail in FIG. 7.

On the top side, the arresting block 6 has an activating button 61,which will be described hereinbelow. The ergonomic shaping on the rearside of the top region of the pole grip 1 in this case is likewiseformed by the arresting block 6, since the latter has, to the sides ofthe hook 14, two protrusions 59 which, as it were, surround theretaining peg 14 in the top region.

The retaining peg 14 is thus optimally embedded in the outer contour ofthe pole grip 1, as is not perceived as disturbing and it is possiblefor injuries to be avoided. Nevertheless, an ideal introduction openingremains from above for a cable loop 33, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The arresting block 6 contains a pin 57 which is used for the automaticlatching in, for example, of a cable loop 33. The pin 57 is arrangedessentially horizontally and parallel to the direction of the arrow 43.It is mounted in a displaceable manner in the arresting block 6, in arecess 60 provided specifically for this purpose, the pin 57 beingbraced against the retaining peg 14 via a helical spring 58. The pin 57has a restraining nose 11, which is preferably beveled from above and isof essentially horizontal design in the downward direction, in whichcase for example an eyelet or cable loop 33 which is introduced fromabove displaces the pin 57 in the rearward direction, counter to thestressing of the helical spring 58, and the cable loop is arrestedbeneath the pin 57 in the region 15.

FIG. 7 a) shows an overall view from the side of the arresting block 6together with the elements fastening this arresting block 6 in the polegrip 1. FIG. 7 b) shows a view from the rear, that is to say from thedirection of the arrow 43 in FIG. 6 a), and FIG. 7 c) shows a sectionalong line A-A in FIG. 7 b). FIG. 7 d), finally, shows a view fromabove.

The entire arresting block 6 is retained in the recess 4, which is openat the top, in the pole grip 1. For this purpose, the recess 4 has athrough-bore to the cavity 5. A securing pin 54 is attached to thearresting block 6 via an axial element 56, which projects through thisthrough-bore into the cavity 5. On the top side, the securing pin 54 hasan eye 55, for fastening the securing pin on the arresting block 6 in arotatable manner by way of the axial element 56. At its bottom end, thesecuring pin 54 is provided with a thread.

The securing pin 54 or the arresting block 6 fastened thereon is bracedin the downward direction, with the aid of a stop element 52 buttingagainst the top of the cavity 5, by way of a helical spring 51 which, atone end, rests from beneath on a correspondingly provided shoulder onthe stop element 52 and, at the other end, rests from above on a washer64, which via an adjusting nut 53 which is screwed onto the thread ofthe securing pin 54 from beneath.

This design has, inter alia, the following advantages:

-   -   First of all, the arresting block 6, which is produced as an        entire unit, is very straight-forward to assemble or install. It        can be pushed into the recess 4 in the pole grip 1 from above,        in which case the securing pin 54, which is provided on the        arresting block 6, is pushed through the through-bore between        the recess 4 and the cavity 5. It is subsequently possible for,        in the first instance, the stop element 52, and then the helical        spring 51, to be pushed over the securing pin 54 in the cavity        5, from beneath, and, finally, the washer and the adjusting nut        53 can be screwed onto the thread of the securing pin 54. The        resiliently elastic securing force in the downward direction to        which the arresting block 6 is subjected via the helical spring        51 can be adjusted by the adjusting nut 53 being screwed upward        to a greater or lesser extent or by the installation of        different springs with a different spring constant or by virtue        of the prestressing being changed by spacers. Finally, a rotary        axial element 44 can be pushed in laterally through the bore 45        of the grip body, or through the bore 48 of the arresting block        6, as a result of which the arresting block 6 is then mounted in        the recess 4 such that it can be rotated about the rotary axial        element 44.    -   Secondly, this design provides for adjustable emergency        activation of the entire arresting block 6. This is because, if        the restraining nose 11 is subjected to excessive force from        beneath by a cable loop 33 or an eyelet (for example in the        event of a fall), then the entire arresting block 6 rotates        about the rotary axial element 44, for example in the        counterclockwise direction in FIG. 6 c) and in FIG. 7 c). This        takes place until the region 15 is released and the cable loop        33 or the eyelet is released from the hook. This design then has        the advantage, inter alia, that the activating force can be        adjusted very straightforwardly by, for example, the pole shaft        being removed from the cavity 5 and the adjusting nut 53 being        adjusted from beneath, in accordance with requirements, by a        corresponding tool. It is also conceivable for the spring to be        adjusted via an adjusting device which is incorporated in, or        beneath, the grip region and is, for example, in the form of a        partially exposed knurled nut, in which case there is no need        for the grip to be dismantled in order for the activating force        to be changed. The use of a helical spring 51 also ensures this        safety activation under a wide range of different temperature        conditions and, moreover, the helical spring 51 is concealed to        such good effect in the interior of the pole grip 1 that it is        possible to avoid soiling, icing-up or the like.

If the eyelet or cable loop pushed over the retaining peg 14 is to bereleased from the region 15 under normal conditions, then an activatingbutton 61 is provided, for this purpose, on the top side of thearresting block 6. A rotary axial element 62 is arranged horizontally,and transversely to the direction of the pin 57, in the arresting block6. The element which forms the activating button 61 is mounted withinthe arresting block 6 such that it can be tilted about this axialelement (in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6 c)). Furthermore, a guidepin 63 is arranged in the pin 57, likewise horizontally and transverselyto the pin 57. This guide pin 63 is likewise mounted in the elementwhich forms the activating button 61.

If the activating button 61, which is formed integrally with the lateralprotrusions 59, is pushed downward either in the region 61 or at theprotrusions 59, for example by the thumb of the hand which is grippingthe pole, then the element which forms the activating button tiltsslightly downward as a whole and thus, upon rotation about the rotaryaxial element 62, pushes the pin 57 inward via the guide pin 63, counterto the force of the helical spring 58, consequently releases the region15 in the upward direction and thus also releases a loop which has beenarrested in this region.

This design is highly advantageous insofar as the protrusions 59 areideally positioned for the desired activation, but undesired activationcan nevertheless be fully avoided.

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

-   -   1 Pole grip    -   3 Grip body    -   4 Recess in 3    -   5 Cavity in 3 for pole shaft    -   6 Arresting block    -   7 Spring    -   8 Stop bore for 7    -   9 Actuating button    -   10 Leg spring    -   11 Restraining nose    -   12 Safety-activation element    -   13 Axial element of 12    -   14 Retaining peg    -   15 Region for fastened loop/eyelet    -   16 Fastening plate    -   17 Slot for guide of 9    -   19 Guide peg for 7    -   20 Crosspiece    -   21 Fastening pin/screw    -   22 Axial pin    -   23 Bore in 6 for 22    -   24 Recess in 6    -   25 Glove    -   26 Thumb    -   27 Forefinger    -   28 Middle finger    -   29 Ring finger    -   30 Little finger    -   31 Encircling fastening device    -   32 Adjusting means for 31    -   33 Cable loop    -   34 Guide sleeve    -   35 Cable    -   36 Fastening for 35    -   37 Deflecting means for 35    -   38 Variable-length fastening for 35    -   39 Button for extended position    -   40 Button for retracted position    -   41 Pocket for 33    -   42 Recess in 14    -   43 Hand side    -   44 Rotary axial element of 6    -   45 Bore in 3 for 44    -   46 Recess for spring    -   47 Guide slot for spring    -   48 Bore in 6 for 44    -   49 Helical spring    -   50 Rotary axial element of 14    -   51 Helical spring    -   52 Stop element    -   53 Adjusting nut    -   54 Securing pin    -   55 Eye of 54    -   56 Axial element    -   57 Pin    -   58 Helical spring    -   59 Lateral protrusions of 6    -   60 Recess in 6 for 57    -   61 Activating button    -   62 Rotary axial element for 61    -   63 Guide pin for 57    -   64 Washer

1. A hand-retaining device to be fastened on the hand of a user, whichhand-retaining device has, between the thumb and forefinger, a flexibleand/or movable loop which is suitable for fastening the hand-retainingdevice on a hook-like device of a pole grip.
 2. The hand-retainingdevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein the loop comprises a cable orstrap or a flexible plastic cord with inherent rigidity.
 3. Thehand-retaining device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the loop isfastened in an essentially non-movable and/or non-flexible manner on thehand-retaining device, but the loop is itself of movable and/or flexibledesign.
 4. The hand-retaining device as claimed in claim 1, wherein itis a glove or a hand strap.
 5. The hand-retaining device as claimed inclaim 1, wherein it is a hand strap which has three openings and whichcan be fastened on the hand a first opening being provided for thethumb, a second opening being provided for the other fingers or the backof the hand, and a third opening of the hand strap being provided forthe wrist.
 6. The hand-retaining device as claimed in claim 1 theprojecting part of the loop on the hand-retaining device is arrangedessentially in the plane which, when the hand is open and stretched out,is defined by the thumb and forefinger.
 7. The hand-retaining device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the loop is a loop made of a braided plasticmaterial.
 8. The hand-retaining device as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe loop has a thickness of 1-5 mm.
 9. The hand-retaining device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the loop projects by between 5-20 mm, beyondthe V region between the forefinger and thumb.
 10. The hand-retainingdevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of the loop isadjustable, it being possible, for the loop to be recessed essentiallyfully into or on the glove when not in use.
 11. The hand-retainingdevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hand-retaining device containsa niche or pocket into which the loop can be inserted when not in use.12. The hand-retaining device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at leastover a length of 2-15 cm, the non-exposed region of the material of theloop, at the two ends, is adhesively bonded, sewn or woven in or on thehand-retaining device, and/or in the form of an intermediate layer ofthe hand-retaining device, or is fastened in some other way between theouter layers of the hand-retaining device.
 13. The hand-retaining deviceas claimed in claim 1, wherein the material of the loop is fastened onthe hand-retaining device via a band strip, made of a wovenplastic-based textile material with a width of between 3-30 mm.
 14. Thehand-retaining device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hand-retainingdevice is configured as a glove in which is arranged, in one or morecorresponding recesses, a hand strap which has three openings and whichcan be fastened on the hand, or on/in the glove, a first opening beingprovided for the thumb, a second opening being provided for the otherfingers or the back of the hand, and a third opening of the hand strapbeing provided for the wrist, and the hand strap.
 15. The hand-retainingdevice as claimed in claim 14, wherein the hand strap can be removedfrom the glove altogether and used without the glove.
 16. Thehand-retaining device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the restposition, the loop is of essentially semicircular or semi-oval form. 17.A hand-retaining device for use with, or together with, a pole griphaving a grip body and having a hook-like device for fastening ahand-retaining device, it being the case that displaceable or rotatablelatching-in means are arranged in the region of the hook-like devicesuch that a loop-like, ring-like or eyelet-like device, which is pushedinto the hook-like device essentially from above and is provided on thehand-retaining device, is fixed in the hook-like device withself-latching action.
 18. The hand-retaining device as claimed in claim1, wherein it is a hand strap which has three openings and which can befastened on the hand in with the aid of a touch-and-close fastener, afirst opening being provided for the thumb, a second opening beingprovided for the other fingers or the back of the hand, and a thirdopening of the hand strap being provided for the wrist.
 19. Thehand-retaining device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the loop is a loopmade of a braided plastic material, based on polyethylene, polyamide,polypropylene, Aramid or a combination of these materials.
 20. Thehand-retaining device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the loop has athickness of 2-3 mm.
 21. The hand-retaining device as claimed in claim1, wherein the loop projects by between 5-10 mm, beyond the V regionbetween the forefinger and thumb.
 22. The hand-retaining device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein at least over a length of at least 5 cm, thenon-exposed region of the material of the loop, at the two ends, isadhesively bonded, sewn or woven in or on the hand-retaining device,and/or in the form of an intermediate layer of the hand-retainingdevice, or is fastened in some other way between the outer layers of thehand-retaining device.
 23. The hand-retaining device as claimed in claim1, wherein the material of the loop is fastened on the hand-retainingdevice via a band strip, made of a woven plastic-based textile materialwith a width of between 3-30 mm, this band strip being sewn on theoutside of the hand-retaining device or being adhesively bonded to theglove, and the band strip, optionally, being arranged in the V betweenthe thumb and forefinger so as to encircle the back of the hand and thepalm of the hand.
 24. The hand-retaining device as claimed in claim 1,wherein the hand-retaining device is configured as a glove in which isarranged, in one or more corresponding recesses, a hand strap which hasthree openings and which can be fastened on the hand, or on/in theglove, with the aid of a touch-and-close fastener, a first opening beingprovided for the thumb, a second opening being provided for the otherfingers or the back of the hand, and a third opening of the hand strapbeing provided for the wrist, and the hand strap, being arranged in theglove such that it can be adjusted from the outside via atouch-and-close fastener arranged in the region of the back of the hand.25. The hand-retaining device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the restposition, the loop is of essentially semi-circular or semi-oval form,with a diameter in the range of 3-10 mm.
 26. A hand-retaining device foruse with, or together with, a pole grip, for walking sticks, trekkingpoles, downhill ski poles, cross-country ski poles and Nordic walkingpoles, having a grip body and having a hook-like device for fastening ahand-retaining device in the form of a hand strap or of a glove, itbeing the case that displaceable or rotatable latching-in means arearranged in the region of the hook-like device such that a loop-like,ring-like or eyelet-like device, which is pushed into the hook-likedevice essentially from above and is provided on the hand-retainingdevice, is fixed in the hook-like device with self-latching action, andwherein the hook-like device is arranged in the top region of the polegrip, on the hand side, and that the hook-like device comprises aretaining pin or retaining peg which is arranged essentially parallel tothe pole axis and is offset in the direction of the hand side from thegrip body to form an introduction slot or is arranged as a cutout in thegrip body, the depth of the introduction slot being greater than thewidth and the thickness of the retaining peg or retaining pin.